Politics

Analysis: Worsening internal rivalries weaken KRG at key political juncture

Conflict between the KDP and PUK has driven dysfunction in Erbil and weakened Kurdish influence in Baghdad as a new government takes power.

Bafel Talabani, president of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (left), meets with newly elected Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi (right), in Baghdad in May 2026. (Photo credit: Prime Minister's Office)

Apr 26, 2016

UPDATE: Chaotic Parliament confirms five new ministers

After protesting legislators shouted and threw empty water bottles at the prime minister, the Parliament approved part of a Cabinet overhaul.

Apr 13, 2016

Abadi’s Cabinet reform ignites political upheaval

The prime minister's second attempt to overhaul his Cabinet sets off a protest in the Parliament chamber and threats of a no-confidence vote.

Apr 12, 2016

New oil minister tapped in second try at Cabinet overhaul

Former South Oil Company chief Jabbar Allibi nominated to head the Oil Ministry, as Abadi makes a second attempt to reform his Cabinet.

Apr 5, 2016

Iraqi Cabinet decisions: April 5, 2016

Whenever the media office of the Council of Ministers releases decisions of the Cabinet, Iraq Oil Report publishes a translation from the original Arabic.

Mar 31, 2016

UPDATE: New oil minister nominated in Cabinet overhaul

Abadi taps Nazar Numan, a Kurdish geologist, to run the Oil Ministry, and proposes Ali Allawi to once again head the Finance Ministry.

Mar 29, 2016

Iraqi Cabinet decisions: March 29, 2016

Whenever the media office of the Council of Ministers releases decisions of the Cabinet, Iraq Oil Report publishes a translation from the original Arabic.

Mar 24, 2016

UPDATE: Oil minister steps down ahead of Cabinet shake-up

Adil Abd al-Mahdi has left the Oil Ministry and ceded authority to his deputy, as Baghdad braces for PM Abadi's Cabinet overhaul.

Mar 23, 2016

Basra pushes toward financial autonomy

Provincial leaders claim rights to all revenues from two oil fields and a portion of customs fees in an effort to bypass Baghdad's fiscal management.

Mar 22, 2016

Iraqi Cabinet decisions: March 22, 2016

Whenever the media office of the Council of Ministers releases decisions of the Cabinet, Iraq Oil Report publishes a translation from the original Arabic.

Mar 17, 2016

Baghdad pressures KRG with Kirkuk crude export cut

Iraq's Oil Minister said federally produced Kirkuk crude cannot flow through Kurdistan's pipeline without a new oil deal.